The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1887-12-03
ATHRILLING INCIDENT
OF the Great Siouz Massacre in Minne-
sofa In 1869.
q the Editor of the Nkw poMrNroN:

To the Editor Of the Nkw DOMINION:
FARIBAULT, MIMI, nov. 26.-We
think that the narration of some
particular event coming directly
from the mouth or pen of some per
son intimately acquainted or closely
connected with it and familiar with
the surroundings. would have a
charm not to be found in the common
place and matter of fact style of his
tory. And so perhaps there are
some readers of the NEW DOMINION
who would take interest and pleas
ure in reading of an incident which
happened here in Minnesota during
the Sioux massacre of 1862 As to
its being a fact we can voueh for it.
Our friend, William Ochss from
whom we have just received the mar
rative, gives it to us as sort Of ira
dition, for he was very small par
ticipator, being as yet very young
specimen of the genus homo. How
ever, it was Williams sister, Cillie,
who was one of the chief actors.
And, by the way, she is now married
and the happy mother OF two boys
and three girls.
The incident took place nine miles
from the now large and thriving
town of New Ulm, in this State.
ellie, then ten years of age, was liv-
ing with gentleman by the name
of Joseph Stocker, who himself went
to his long home only some ten years
ago.
The Sioux. bent on murder and
plumber, raided from over in Dakota
under the leadership OF chief Little
Crow, and massacreo and burned
wherever they could Joseph Stock
er's wife and home were not spared.
Mrs. Stocker was sick in bed when
the Indians appeared. 1t seems
that Mr.. Stocker and ellie were not
at first observed by the Indian who
first came and were witnesses of the
scene, cruel yet merciful, which took
place in the sick woman's room.
This Indian had formerly been treat
ed kindly by Mrs. Stocker, and it
seems that, knowing that it would
be impossible to save her life, he
wished to spare her any cruelty
which his red brethren would inflict
when they came, and he determined
to Stay her instantly and told her as
much. This resolve he executed
without delay by sending bullet
into her brain.
More Indians soon came up and
Mr.. Stocker and ellie sought refuge
in the cellar. They were observed
to enter. however, and the fiends, in
stead OF bringing them out, fastened
them in, and after plundering the
house set fire to it. Mr.. Stocker did
not give up yet, and with some old
shingles dug passage. through
which he and the girl escaped unob
served by the Indians. who were
busy with the plumber on another
side of the house. Hot cinders were
falling fast when they crawled from
the cellar, and ellie held her apron
over her head for protection. All
this happened in broad daylight, yet
the two escaped aided by the woods
and the negligence of their foes to
keep watch on all sides. Our friends
made their way to New Ulm and,
though fighting was fierce all around,
reached their friends in safety.
Mr.. Stocker had no children by
by the unfortunate lady who was
murdered He afterwards married
again, and his only son, Robert
Stocker, graduated with the highest
honors at the Z. S. Naval Academy,
at Annapolis, Nd, only last summer.
Our friend Willie, who gives us
these facts, is now sitting opposite
waiting for us to finish writing. He
has just remarked, "Whew! if you'll
write any more you will fill the
whole paper" SO we will act on
his hint and close. Perhaps at some
time in the near future we may have
something to tell of the fight at New
Ulm, and as sequel how Uncle
Sam made an example of number
of these Indians. GEORGE LAYTON.